We have all been squeezing our dollars for the most bang. One of the best ways is coupon clipping. Check out these tips and start saving!
Christian Gordun, CEO and founder of CouponCraze.com, shares secrets that will help you save money while shopping online.
1. Start Clicking and Stop Printing: First and foremost, be sure to use online coupons in addition to printable coupons. If you do come across an expired or faulty coupon, finding a replacement by doing a quick online search is much easier than if you’re already at the store in a checkout line.
2. Time it Right: Mark your calendar or create reoccurring reminders because the best online deals are offered three times a month: the very beginning, the very middle and the very end. Online stores post fresh coupons the 1st-3rd of the month, the 14-16th, and the 28th through the end of the month.
3. Check Out the Competition: Don’t wait until checkout to find a coupon. Start by visiting a coupon and deal site (CouponCraze.com) to search for the item you’re looking for. This will cut down on visits to multiple sites by allowing you to see which store is offering the best price.
4. Get the Truth About Expiration Dates: Expiration dates are subject to change. Stores reserve the right to expire coupon codes earlier than anticipated and without much notice. It can be due to increased demand or limited supply of products. Either way, act quickly on an offer because it may not be there the next day.
5. Go Beyond Google and Find Reliable Sites: By simply Googling “Nordstrom Coupon Code,” you’re going to find the most popular or generic code, which doesn’t guarantee the best discount. Instead, go directly to a reliable coupon code and deal site because they work directly with retailers and have access to exclusive coupons that don’t always come up in a Google search.
To determine whether a site is reliable, shoppers can look out for a couple of red flags. The first is sites that let users post coupons because the likelihood that those codes will be faulty or expired is much higher. Instead, use sites which ONLY post coupons that are approved by the merchant. The second is sites that have an expired coupons section or list expired coupons on the site. These sites are tricking consumers into thinking they have coupons for certain retailers and will end up wasting your time.
6. Beat the Promo Box: Make sure the discount is applied to your total BEFORE you make the purchase – a discount will never appear after you have purchased an item.
Maybe with Spring on the way you are thinking of getting a new dog?Don’t forget to visit the Franklin County dog shelter if you are. They have many beautiful dogs looking for new homes. you can see some online too at www.franklincountydogs.com
And below are the Top dog names for Male and female dogs…
MALES
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Rocky
4. Bailey
5. Jake
6. Charlie
7. Jack
8. Toby
9. Cody
10. Buster
If you really think about it, once in awhile you come across a person who knocks you off your socks…legitimately. Maybe they have a fantastic outlook on life, even during difficult times. Maybe they are really humble, although they are extremely gifted. Maybe they make you feel special. All of these are good.
Below, I’ve listed some of the traits I admire most in people. Although I could probably list a dozen characteristics, I thought I’d list those that seem to be the rarest or most difficult to find.
Selflessness: In a world where many people don’t have the time or the interest in others, selflessness is a quality that seems to be less and less common. People can be selfless in the time they give, the ability to listen, their level of patience and the love that they give. Those who are giving and generous in nature have the power to make others feel loved, appreciated and special. While those who are self-absorbed tend to do the exact opposite.
Tolerance: Those people who are tolerant make us feel comfortable with who we are and special as individuals. All of us are different, and many of us have quirks and idiosyncrasies. After all, these differences make the world go round. Having the ability to accept people for who they are and not expect them to be who we want them to be is important in life, happiness and in the health of our relationships.
Genuineness: Having the ability to be real, authentic and honest is unique in a world where we put so much emphasis on the superficial. Feeling comfortable in one’s skin and being true to one’s self is one of the most beautiful traits one can possess. To have a REAL relationship with someone requires honesty…it requires hearing and giving input or feedback that may not always be popular…it means having the strength to tell it like it is and to not be afraid to face the consequences for doing so…it means loving people for who they really are…deep down…and not for what they appear to be.
Sensitivity: So often we are focused on what is important to ourselves that we can forget about those around us. Those who are sensitive are often thoughtful, appreciative and loving, in a way that makes you feel understood, valued and respected. Often, sensitive people are also self-aware, making them mindful of how they impact others with what they do and say.
Integrity: Call me cynical, but I think this characteristic is especially difficult to find. In a time when people will do things that are underhanded to make an extra buck (Bernie Madoff…can you hear me?), expose their personal lives to the public so they can be famous (balloon boy’s dad and any other reality TV mongers) and do what feels good in the moment without necessarily thinking of the consequences (Tiger Woods), integrity is a characteristic that is especially unique today.
Humility: Whether someone is super-smart, extremely talented or drop-dead gorgeous, there is something extra special about them if they don’t come across as though they know it all the time. Humility in those that possess extraordinary traits make others feel special too.
In my quest to eat better in 2010, i found these items that will help our diets!
Cabbage Salads: Cabbage deserve a little more love. Not only cheap, it really couldn’t be any healthier. In this recipe, it’s crisp and bright with tart apples, dried fruit, and spicy, buttery pecans. The cabbage soaks up the slightly sweet dressing, providing a great crunchy base for the salad (which feels like so much more than a salad).
Baked Oatmeal: Not only does baking oatmeal make for a less watery outcome than the packaged just-add-hot-water alternative, it takes on a much deeper, homemade flavor. Warm, filling, and infinitely adaptable—dried cranberries, walnuts, or even peanut butter would all make excellent additions. Oh yeah, and it makes your kitchen smell like a pie factory. This ice cream is, wait for it, made entirely from one ingredient: bananas. You simply freeze the fruit, whip it in a food processor for a few minutes, and *poof*. It morphs into a custardy, soft serve treat.
Roasted Beet Sandwiches: You probably read that as “roasted beef” sandwich at first, but no. This is one of the few veggie sandwiches that doesn’t fail! Usually marketed as the “healthy option,” the sandwich’s downfall seems to be its overabundance. Without meat, people stuff it with as many vegetables as possible. But here, there’s balance. The sweet roasted beets give the sandwich heft along with some avocado, lightly dressed greens, and the goat cheese kind of acts like a creamy mayo. Whole-Wheat Pasta with Turkey Sausage: Nine times out of ten, we prefer non-wheat pasta to the better-for-you wheat version. But this is the exception. Instead of acting as a boring canvas for a pile of vegetables, the whole-wheat pasta has a slightly nutty flavor and firm texture that works well with the peppery greens, sweet tomatoes, and zesty sausage. Everything’s topped off with a low-fat Parmesan sauce, which adds moisture and wonderful cheesiness (without too many extra calories).
While our gal pals will almost always give their stamp of approval to fashion-forward outfits, it turns out that some trendy pieces just freak guys out. Here, a few of our guy buddies recall the date outfits that confused them and surprised them—and a few that made them run for the hills.
1. Super-high heels and micro-shortsI went on a date this summer with a girl wearing short shorts and four-inch heels. It was like she got distracted halfway through getting dressed and forgot to finish the process—and the result was über-trashy. Not exactly take-home-to-Mom material. —George, 29
The only time I was on a date and I thought, What was she thinking? was when the girl showed up wearing a Gilligan-esque bucket hat and strange cloglike shoes that she tripped over the entire night. The major takeaway from this story: Don’t wear anything below the ankles that was inspired by the Dutch.
—John, 22
3. All your favorite trends—at once
My date once wore Uggs, a long, giant wooden beaded necklace and big, bug-eyed sunglasses. Worn separately they might have been fine, but together it spelled disaster.
—Matthew, 29
4. OshKosh B’Gosh-inspired gear
I would be mortified if a girl showed up to a date in overalls. I can’t think of any legitimate occasion—outside of milking cows—where that dress code would be considered appropriate. And if our date did involve milking cows, I think I have bigger concerns than what she’s wearing.
—Stephen, 23
5. Harem pants
Those weird high-waisted pants that get wide in the legs and then taper at the ankle? Those are the worst.
—Joe, 28
6. Fluffy, frilly stuff
I met a cute artsy chick while visiting a friend in San Francisco and invited her to go wine tasting in Napa. While I’m not sure there’s a dress code for wine tasting, she definitely broke some rules: Her ensemble consisted of Sherpa boots and a gigantic wool poodle skirt. I spent the entire evening trying to convince myself that heads were turning because of my date’s stunning beauty, not her hideously fluffy outfit. —Rob, 26
7. Athletic gear at non-sporting events
Girls can look adorable in a team jersey, but preferably with sweats or boy shorts. But when we go out at night, it’s better to keep the 88-covered sports gear at home. —Rick, 39
8. Glitzy, trendy overkill
I met this amazingly attractive girl at a concert, but on our first actual date, she showed up in the skimpiest jean shorts, leather high-heeled boots, a shiny tube top and—the clincher—sparkly flesh-color leggings. I was totally embarrassed because this date was a daytime lunch outing, not a night on the town! The thigh bling is what really killed it.
It’s Valentines weekend…Have a wonderful time…and heed these tips.
The table is set, the lights are low, and your date is ready for a perfectly romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Here are some tips to keep the romance from coming to a screeching halt.
1. Clear the Air. That pesto bruschetta appetizer on the menu might look tempting, but don’t forget the number one date rule: bad breath is a mood killer. Skip any dishes loaded with garlic, leeks, or onions and you’ve already saved yourself the trouble of conspicuously downing breath mints all evening.
2. No Bones. Tread carefully with bone-in meats or fish. On a long-ago Valentine’s Day best forgotten, I spent most of my evening trying to casually pick around pesky pin bones from my trout en papillote and yes, nearly choking on a toothpick-sized bone is both scary and unromantic. As for meat, it’s a toss up. Some people might be turned on watching their date suck meat off of a bone. Some might not–know your audience.
3. Don’t Go Green. We’re all for a healthy daily serving of green salad, but all it takes is one little sprig of frisée stuck between your teeth to change the mood from romantic to comedic. And while we’re on the topic, avoid dishes with black sesame seeds.
4. Shelling Out. Lobster tail gets a thumbs up–it is wonderfully romantic and decadent. But save shelling shrimps, crabs, and whole lobsters at your favorite seafood shack for another night. Any dinner that requires a plastic bib and and sends shards of shell flying in your hair–or worse, your date’s–is ripe for unromantic hijinks.
5. Stick to What You Know. If you opt for a quiet, romantic dinner at home, don’t cook anything you haven’t made at least once before. Test any new recipes the week before. Valentine’s Day is not the day you want to try that roast rack of lamb or souffle for the first time. For example: a well-meaning friend of mine wasn’t a seafood lover but clam linguine was his sweetie’s favorite. He made it for the first time on Valentine’s and he wasn’t sure how to serve the clams that didn’t open. Finally, he pried them open and served them atop the noodles. You can probably guess how that evening went. [Need we add: Always discard any clams that don't open after 5-10minutes of cooking. They'll probably give you food poisoning.]
With Valentines day coming this weekend. Here is a cool list of things to talk about as you are out with your special valentine!!
Babysitter, check. Reservations, check. Alone time with your husband (finally), check. Now that you have time away from the kids, don’t spend the whole night talking about them! Here are some conversation topics to inspire you… that have nothing to do with sleep schedules, spit up or soccer practice!
Your Goals
Talking about your goals goes beyond your to-do lists. What do you each want to accomplish as individuals? As parents? As professionals? Reconnect on your hopes and dreams for the future and make a plan to work with one another to make them a reality.
Your Childhoods
You know what it was like for your partner growing up (and have laughed at all of his school pictures with bad hair and buck teeth), but there’s always some funny story to tell or even retell from your childhood. You know, like the time you broke your mom’s favorite vase because you were playing ball in the house (oh wait, that was Peter Brady).
TV & Movies
And speaking of Brady Bunch, why not talk TV! There are endless things to talk about when it comes to entertainment like the last season of LOST, Conan leaving NBC, the Biggest Loser, The Bachelor Winner, American Idol, American Gladiators or what Blair did to Serena on Gossip Girl last week?! OMG!
Your Friends
Catch each other up on what’s going on in your friend’s lives. Even if you haven’t seen them or even talked to them recently, you’ve probably been reading their status updates on Facebook and Twitter. Anything juicy? Any new pics? Anything learned in the latest “10 Things” trend.
Home Improvement Projects
The key to talking about little home improvement projects with your hubby is watching your nag meter. Before ruining a perfectly pleasant conversation by reminding him to fix the faucet, think about where the comment fits on a scale from 1 to 5, five making you a broken record. Then proceed with caution. You’re on a date, after all.
Sports
After all that home-improvement talk you might want to switch to something HE wants to talk about, like sports! Even if you’d rather throw up than throw a Super Bowl party, express an interest in the sport of the season if it’s something you’re partner is into! Just ask him what teams you should be rooting for this year besides your son’s Little League team.
Your Next Vacation
Times are tough, but when there’s a will to travel, there’s a way. Talk about your schedules and your budget and find out how you can make a break for it. Whether it’s a weekend getaway for the two of you, or a week camping with the kids, it’s always nice to get away.
Politics
Sure, talking politics and current events can cause tension if one of you swings left and the other right, but sharing your opinions doesn’t have to turn into debate club. Instead, let any heated conversation carry over into a heated bedroom. Wink, wink.
Celebs
That said, if what you know about the world doesn’t go far beyond the ‘Celebs: They’re Just Like Us’ section of Us Weekly these days, then talk current events as you know them. Who’s dating Jessica Simpson this week? Are Brad and Angelina expecting again (and what wacky celebrity baby name will it get?!)? Did Heidi Montag have MORE plastic surgery? Do tell…
Your Family
What did your mother say to you NOW? How’s everything going with your brother’s marriage? What kind of trouble did your weird uncle get into this week? We said you couldn’t talk about your kids, but feel free to talk about your crazy family!
Your Life Before Kids
Remember the nights you stayed up till the sun came out? Remember that time you scored tickets to Lollapalooza? Walking down memory lane is sure to make you both laugh and rekindle your love for each other.
Your Lurrrrve
You’re on a date because you’re in love, so it’s only fitting that you both talk about how much you appreciate each other.
Ok Guys. If you have a high tech lady on your Valentines list..Check out these cool gifts she is sure to love from Digital Trends…
Heart-cut diamonds nestled in a ribbon-tied box, a decadent assortment of chocolate treats or a string of pearls with a name-engraved clasp-all are classic gifts to bestow upon that special someone this Valentine’s Day. Don’t tell Cupid, though: Times and tastes are changing, with today’s woman really hoping for a gift with a little more style and utility, e.g. a high-tech smartphone or candy-colored netbook that fits right in her purse. Want to really spoil her when February 14 rolls around? Forget the sparkle and shine and stick with the following gadgets and gear, among 2010’s hottest ways to say “I love you,” or at least “Guess who cared enough to skip the Whitman’s sampler?”
The HP Mini 5102 Netbook offers a 10.1 inch touchscreen display with multitouch support, 1GB of RAM, and the Intel Atom N450 processor. The touch-enabled HP Netbook ships with Windows 7 Starter Edition (including face recognition) or SUSE Linux Enterprise 11. The HP Mini 5102 goes on sale later this month.
The folks over at RIM’s BlackBerry booth gave us a quick demo on BlackBerry’s new Presenter device- an accessory to use with your BlackBerry to aid in giving presentations. The BlackBerry Presenter is actually a small module that connects via Bluetooth to your BlackBerry.
If the Motorola Droid is too bulky and boxy for you, then perhaps Motorola’s new Backflip is just what you’re looking for. This quirky, full QWERTY smartphone had a unique and stylish twist to it-the keyboard swings around 180 degrees to typing position when open. The Backflip also comes equipped with Motorola’s Motoblur which syncs all your info.
Sanyo is calling the VPC-CS1 the “world’s smallest, lightest, and thinnest full HD” camera. The VPC-CS1 can capture 1,920 by 1,080 video as well as 8 megapixel still images and saves video in MPEG-3 AVC/H.264 format.
Samsung’s new TL210 digital camera boasts 12.4 HP, 27mm wid3e angle lens, 1.5″ front LCD screen and a 3″ rear LCD screen, and 720 HD resolution at 30 fps. There’s a lot going on with new digicam which will be available in March.
With just an app and this attachment from L5 Technologies you can turn your iPhone into a universal remote that controls your TV, DVD player, stereo system, cable box, and more. Just download the free app, drag and drop your preferred features into the remote, attach the $50 adapter to your iPhone or iPod Touch.
Sony’s new eco-friendly addition to the Vaio lineup comes with a 10-inch backlit widescreen display, a 250GB hard drive, and a seven-hour battery life. This little green-machine isalso made out of 20 percent recycled products and it comes packaged with a reusable carrying case made of recycled PET bottles. Sony’s Vaio W Eco netbook is now available for pre-order.
The new, retro-styled Oasis Flow Internet radio comes with a waterproof and splash-resistant case, rubber feet, and a small, portable body, making it perfect for any outdoor party. This fashionable gadget offers internet radio, podcasts, PURE sounds and music streaming anywhere that you have a Wi-Fi connection. Plus it has your normal FM radio reception.
Do you often feel the need to match? JVC can help you color code your gadgets. The new JVC SP-A130 is a compact, portable speaker available in four iPod nano 5G colors. This petite speaker dock is perfect for on-the-go activities and will be available in March.
In-demand jobs often require specific degrees or career training, but you shouldn’t feel discouraged if you lack the necessary education.
Today’s abundance of online education options means you’re never too old to go back to school, and many online degree programs cater specifically to the busy lives of working adults. By working and attending school online, you can prepare for your next job without sacrificing your current income. The following jobs are expected to grow faster than average from 2008 to 2018, and each requires training that can be achieved at any age.
1. Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists rehabilitate patients, including accident victims and sufferers of debilitating diseases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapist assistants is expected to grow 33 percent thru 2018, much faster than the national average. In 2008, these assistants earned an average of $46,140.
Physical therapist assistants must earn an associate’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited program. These programs generally last two years and prepare students for state licensing. If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist assistant, career training and online education can help you make the transition.
2. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses help doctors treat, diagnose, and care for patients in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and care centers. Nurses make up the largest employment group within health care, and their numbers are expected to grow by another 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. According to the BLS, registered nurses earned an average of $62,450 in 2008.
To prepare for licensing, nurses must earn at least an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. Associate’s degree programs take approximately two years to complete, while programs offering a bachelor’s degree in nursing take about four years. Online degree programs can help you train for a career in nursing without leaving your current job.
3. Elementary School Teacher
If you have a passion for learning and enjoy working with kids, a career as an elementary school teacher may be a good fit. Elementary school teachers teach multiple subjects to students from kindergarten through sixth grade, emphasizing understanding, responsibility, and consideration. According to the BLS, elementary school teachers earned an average of $49,330 in 2008, and the field is expected to grow by 16 percent from 2008 to 2018.
To teach in public schools, elementary school teachers must earn a bachelor’s degree and graduate from a teacher education program. With online classes available, it’s never too late to return to school and qualify to become a teacher.
4. Computer Software Engineer
Computer software engineers use principles of computer science and mathematics to design and develop software. From computer games to networking systems, the programs developed by computer software engineers help computers function in our everyday lives. The BLS expects employment of computer software engineers to increase by 34 percent thru 2018, which means plenty of opportunities to enter the field. In 2008, these engineers earned an average of $85,430.
To become a computer software engineer, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or a related field. Some positions require a master’s degree in computer science, and all expect employees to be up-to-date with new technologies and computer systems. Online degree programs in computer science and software engineering can prepare you for a career in this innovative field, regardless of your age or schedule.
5. Management Analyst
Management analysts (also called management consultants) are business experts that help companies solve problems to remain competitive. Management analysts must think strategically and come up with innovative, effective solutions for their clients. In 2008, management analysts earned an average of $73,570, and the BLS expects their employment to increase by 24 percent in the next decade.
Competition for management analyst positions is intense, and often a master’s of business administration (MBA) degree is required. Online business degrees are increasingly common, so it’s possible to enhance your industry knowledge with a formal degree.
Taking the Next Step
These five careers prove that opportunities exist across industries, and it’s not too late to transition into a field you’re passionate about. With online degree programs and career training options, you can reach your education goals without giving up your current job and lifestyle.
The day of reckoning has arrived. Your leadership skills need an overhaul, Here are 10 types of bosses from Business week. Are you any of these? Or maybe your boss.
1. Don’t Know Your Job
You’re the invisible man, the one who doesn’t delve into the details or pitch in. You insulate yourself, telling us it’s “not my job” and to “just do it.” We know your dirty secret: You’re out of touch. It’s time to step away from your precious spreadsheets and get your hands dirty. You can’t channel talent, time, and tools if you don’t know how they’re already being deployed.
2. Don’t Listen
We’ve seen it all. You fiddle with your BlackBerry (RIMM) when we’re speaking. You interrupt constantly to make your points. And you roll your eyes and grow impatient—unless you’re talking. No matter, you disregard our input anyway. So we’ve given up; we don’t come to you anymore. And we both suffer for it. If you want to succeed, rebuild that goodwill. It’ll require time and toil, but the best relationships always do.
3. Closed-Minded
You’re gifted and accomplished, the best and brightest. And that has made you susceptible to pride. Now, you’re quick to reach conclusions. Everything is one-sided, with no room for discussion, differences, or dissent. You may view yourself as all-knowing, but conditions change. And talent doesn’t stand for “my way or the highway” for long. Pride goeth before a fall. Question is, can you open up and adapt before then?
4. Poor Preparation
Another emergency meeting. Drop what you’re doing, they need it now. We’re changing direction and working late again. It’s always last minute, make it up as you go along. Maybe it fosters teamwork and creativity sometimes, but you can only cry wolf so many times. In reality, the unexpected drama reflects your inability to set expectations, plan ahead, and think it through. And it’s just wearing us down.
5. Not Building Skills
“People are our most important asset.” Well, it’s empty rhetoric here. Maybe you want to be hands-off or encourage self-reliance. Whatever the intent, you’re not helping us grow. And that’s your real job as a manager: to broaden our outlook, push us beyond our comfort zones, exemplify the corporate values, and focus us on learning, serving, persevering, leading, and advancing. Don’t take that responsibility lightly.
6. Overzealous
History remembers the tyrants but rarely the subjects who did the heavy lifting. It’s no different here. You’ve created a divide-and-conquer atmosphere, all stick and no carrot, where everyone should be the same workaholic reflection of you. Eventually, your bullying and rah-rah intensity produces one question: “Why?” You may think we should be in “for life,” but what are you giving back in return for that blind loyalty?
7. Don’t Maintain Discipline
All the workers come and go as they please, living according to their own rules. No one knows who is where or doing what, and the result is chaos. Maybe you want to be our buddy—or experience how a sweat shop atmosphere fosters only resentment. Either way, coddling does no favors to anyone. Like it or not, you need to set rules and hold people accountable.
8. Never Heard of Tact
You always remind us that we’re replaceable and working at your pleasure. Yes, it’s your legendary bluntness. Your talent and tenure shields you from scrutiny. Sadly, your lack of self-awareness results in everyone—superiors and reports—maligning or marginalizing you. Brains take you only so far; eventually, you’ll need to build and nurture relationships. And that requires people skills: listening, charming, understanding, and compromising. Think you’re up for that?
9. Lack Influence
It’s funny how we’re usually last to get face time and resources. Our mission is vital and performance exceeds expectations. You’d like to believe it’s jealousy, but maybe the messenger is undercutting the message. Look at your variables: appearance, body language, and speaking and writing styles. Do you always convey the image of a polished professional who can work in a team and get the job done? If you can’t, you’ll never get anyone’s ear.
10. Blindside Us
Ah, there’s nothing like a surprise. Whether you’re singling us out in public or ambushing us in private, you’re not afraid to render judgments and deliver lectures. Despite our advanced degrees and track records, you still treat us as servants. Instead of dropping the news all at once, give us fair warning when our performance doesn’t meet expectations. Always take action immediately—and discreetly.
